Gallon - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT gallon /ˈgælən/ /ˈgælən/ IPA guide

Other forms: gallons

The gallon is a unit of measurement used for liquids such as gasoline, water, and milk in the United States. If your car’s tank is running on empty, then you better pull over and buy at least a few more gallons of gas.

A gallon is equivalent to 4 quarts of liquid or 3.785 liters. The United States is one of the last countries to use this term. Though the gallon has roots in the British Imperial Units measurement system, the United Kingdom and most countries around the world have switched to the newer International System of Units.

Definitions of gallon

noun United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters synonyms: gal see moresee less type of: United States liquid unit a liquid unit officially adopted in the United States Customary System
noun a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 quarts or 4.545 liters synonyms: Imperial gallon, congius see moresee less type of: British capacity unit, Imperial capacity unit a unit of measure for capacity officially adopted in the British Imperial System; British units are both dry and wet

Pronunciation US /ˈgælən/ UK /ˈgælən/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘gallon'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing gallon

Measurement and Data, List 2 "How Do We Use Water?"

Learn these words from the social science article by Beth Geiger (Inside: Level A, Unit 2). Here are our links to the selections of "Water for Life": The Secret Water, How Do We Use Water?, Water at Work, Irrigation Pumps Can Save Poor Farmers Here are our links to the units of Level A: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A, Level B, Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

Vocabulary from Cormac McCarthy's "The Road."

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account